Gregg relishing Wylde ride

29 October 2010 06:49

Gregg Wylde is just one of several Rangers youngsters ready to heed the call of manager Walter Smith this season.

The Kirkintilloch-born winger travelled to Kilmarnock on Wednesday for the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final tie expecting a place on the bench.

However, just three hours before kick-off the 19-year-old discovered to his delight that he was in the starting XI for the first time and he made his mark with an assist in Steven Naismith's clinching goal in the 2-0 victory, the first having being scored by Andrew Little.

Although Wylde is likely to be back out for the Scottish Premier League clash with Inverness at Ibrox on Saturday, he is ready to augment Smith's relatively small squad during the coming months.

"The squad is quite small right now but the gaffer had a meeting with us and said he was happy with that because it is easier to work with," he told the club's official website.

"He also knows that there are a few young boys in there like myself, Kyle Hutton, John Fleck and Jordan McMillan who all want to do well.

"Andy and I were back in the team against Kilmarnock and I was delighted he scored.

"We were speaking before the Champions League game last week that he was saying that he hadn't scored since the Hearts game last season.

"So I am really happy that he found the net again and it was a fantastic strike."

Wylde added: "It was a great surprise for the manager and Ally McCoist to put me in the team as I thought I would be watching the game in the stand or I'd maybe be on the bench.

"There's a few boys that have not played recently so I thought they would get a chance.

"But just after five o'clock, Coisty came in with the team and I looked to see if I was a substitute and my name wasn't there.

"I then looked at the starting XI and saw I was on the left so it was a great feeling and I think I did quite well.

"At half-time I was told to try and get on the ball as much as possible and go at their full-back.

"That's what I tried to do and it was nice to set up Steven for the second goal.

"My cross to him took a wee bit of a deflection but he stuck it away really well."